Franco-German Master of Arts in Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural (LiDAS) / Sciences du Langage (SDL) University of Siegen

The Master of Arts in Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural (Linguistik: digital, angewandt, strukturell / Sciences du Langage) is a German-French double degree programme designed for students who have already acquired basic linguistic knowledge in a Bachelor’s or Licence programme with a focus on French. Through the joint programme at the two partner universities in Siegen (Germany) and Orléans (France), students will deepen and expand their knowledge and methodological skills, preparing them for research-based expert positions and (applied) linguistic research.

Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural provides training in linguistic and methodological skills for language analysis using various types of digital corpora. An integrated semester abroad fosters academic and personal exchange across national borders, allowing students to become familiar with different academic traditions, new content, and diverse methodological approaches, while also encouraging personal development through international experience. The joint curriculum combines modules from the fields of (applied) linguistics and language practice, supplemented by interdisciplinary and practical components as well as a study project. The "Studium Generale" module provides opportunities for students to deepen subject-specific knowledge, broaden their academic horizons by interfaculty lectures, or gain practical experience through internships.

Graduates are qualified for academic careers in linguistic research, including doctoral studies / PhD studies, and have access to a growing job market in areas such as language technology (e.g. language data analysis, web applications, data journalism). Additional career paths include adult education (e.g. coordination of continuing education programmes, management of language centres, or development of multimedia self-learning tools). Graduates may also pursue careers in communication-related roles in private companies or public institutions, such as media-supported corporate communications, public relations, or communication consulting - particularly in multilingual and intercultural contexts.

The languages of instruction in the Master Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural are French, English, and – for students beginning their studies at the University of Siegen – German.

The programme includes a mandatory integrated stay abroad. Students must complete at least one semester at the partner university. The structure ensures that students from both institutions study together as a joint Franco-German cohort for at least two semesters. 

The programme comprises compulsory core modules as well as elective courses.

First semester (30 ECTS): All participants study at their home university.

University of Siegen:
Languages of instruction: German, French, English

• Language in Use
• Language in the Media
• Language Structure and Variation
• Foreign Language Teaching
• Foreign Language Practice
• Studium Generale (interfaculty lectures)

University of Orléans:
Language of instruction: French

• Structural Linguistics
• Corpus Linguistics
• Academic Methodology
• Foreign Language Practice
• Modules in Didactics and Digital Technology or in Language Analysis and Processing

Second semester (30 ECTS): All participants study at the University of Siegen.
Languages of instruction: French and English (mandatory), German (optional)

• Linguistic Diversity
• Advanced Linguistic Studies and Empirical Methods
• Foreign Language Practice
• Professional Practice or Studium Generale

Third semester (30 ECTS): All participants study at the University of Orléans.
Language of instruction: French

• Language Change
• Contrastive Linguistics
• Corpus Linguistics
• Academic Writing
• Language Practice
• Modules in Didactics and Digital Technology or in Language Analysis and Processing

Fourth semester (30 ECTS): Students choose the university where they wish to complete their Master's examination. The examination regulations of the chosen university apply.

University of Siegen:

• Master's thesis and oral examination

University of Orléans:

• Project-based internship

Université d'Orléans

The Master of Arts Linguistics: Digital, Applied, Structural includes two possibilities for internships:

• Optional five- to six-week internship as part of the "Studium Generale" at the University of Siegen (second semester)
• Internship as part of the Master's examination at the University of Orléans (fourth semester, provided the examination is taken in Orléans)

Franco-German Double Degree (winter semester only):

1 April – 15 July
 

Other study options (without double degree):

1 April – 15 September (winter semester)

1 October – 15 March (summer semester)

Bachelor's degree in Linguistics or a first professionally-qualifying university degree in a comparable programme (this includes, in particular, teacher training programmes with a standard duration of at least six semesters and equivalent foreign programmes)

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• CV in German, French or English
• Final certificate and transcript of records from the previous degree programme are required. If the Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed at the time of application, applicants must provide a certificate of expected graduation with a provisional final grade and a current overview of academic achievements.
• Proof of French and English language skills (details below).
• University entrance certificate
• A letter of motivation written in French

Applicants with a university entrance qualification obtained outside Germany must also submit:

• Proof of German language skills (details below)
• Certified copies of university certificates and diplomas with a transcript of records, and certified translations in German or English, if applicable
• Copy of passport or residence permit

Please check the programme website for further information on the application process: https://www.uni-siegen.de/en/study/master/linguistics-digital-applied-structural-lidas and https://www.uni-siegen.de/en/application

Double degree students may also begin their studies at the partner university, the University of Orléans. This option is recommended for applicants with no prior knowledge of German. For further information see: https://www.univ-orleans.fr/fr/lettres/formation/masters/double-diplome-master-sdl-lidas 

French, Level C1

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 372 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

Students can find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. Therefore, there are employment prospects in the region, particularly for positions that are available during the semester break and following graduation.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the programme "Forging International Talents - FIT in Siegen" specifically supports international students during their whole studies with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 240 EUR and 460 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries, where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.